Keep Fighting to Protect and Fund Public Schools
Feds withhold Millions from Public Schools
The federal government withheld 26 million in federal grants. These critical funds are being withheld from programs serving learners who are multilingual, in afterschool programs, and adults. As the federal government continues its attack on public schools we need to keep fighting in Vermont to protect and fund public education.
Actions you can take: The Trump administration is giving wealthy Vermonters massive tax cuts. Sign on to the Fair Share Campaign to support a millionaire tax to raise funds for our schools and other public services!
Ethics Breach
Ethics complaints were filed last week against two Senators who were on the Conference Committee for H.454 (Education Transformation Bill), Seth Bongartz (D-Bennington) and Scott Beck (R-Caledonia). The complaints alleged that the senators used their influence on the committee to benefit private schools they are closely tied to.
In Bongartz’ case, that private school was a client of his consulting firm, and Beck, a current Social Studies teacher at St. Johnsbury Academy, used his role to push for changes that would directly benefit independent schools, including his employer. You can read about the complaints in this VT Digger article.
Actions you can take: Vermont School Workers United put out a call to action to write to the Senate Ethics panel, or you can file your own ethics complaint! This document contains more information and examples of how to file a complaint.
Education Transformation Bill Impact
Learn about the impact of the recently passed Education Transformation Bill. The first step of the process occurred and legislative leaders appointed members of the School Redistricting Task Force. Some of the upcoming steps of the bill include:
December 2025: Up to three school district maps are due as well as definitions of what makes a school “small by necessity” and “sparse by necessity”
July 2026: Class size minimums go into effect
January 2027: Statewide calendar are issued
June 2027: Statewide Graduation Requirements
Actions you can take: Check out who’s on the School Redistricting Task Force. If any members are in your district you can write them a letter and advocate for fair definitions of what makes a school “small by necessity” and “sparse by necessity”. For example, no students should have to spend hours on a bus going to and from school.
We’ve won fights for public education before and we can do it again! Let’s continue to push for just and well-funded public schools. It’s what Vermont children deserve.
